Maison Kokoro, the French-Asian artisan bakery that has been drawing lines at the Redmond and NWX farmers markets since January, is opening a permanent café at 103 NW Oregon Avenue in downtown Bend, taking over the former Red Chair Art Gallery space right next door to owner Vivienne Mariotti’s existing shop, Pika Pika. No opening date has been set yet, as renovations are still underway.
If you’ve been to one of Mariotti’s farmers market pop-ups, you already know the drill: show up early or go home empty-handed. People have been lining up 30 minutes before opening just to have a shot at items like croissant dough filled with black sesame and raspberry cream, miso caramel espresso cream puffs, s’mores salt bread, and focaccia topped with chili oil, Chinese sausage, and scallions. Last time out, the first run sold out in minutes, and the second run wasn’t far behind.
The permanent café will focus on handcrafted laminated pastries, Viennoiserie, and specialty desserts, with a specialty beverage program featuring coffee, tea, and curated drinks. Limited seating will be available for guests who want to linger, alongside a rotating seasonal menu that Mariotti says will keep things fresh throughout the year, according to the Bend Source.
The concept blends the Asian flavors Mariotti grew up with and the French classics she discovered through years of traveling, a combination that has clearly found its audience in Central Oregon well before the café even has walls up. Hours are expected to be primarily mornings and daytime, with occasional special events and evening experiences planned down the line.
